Winter In Berlin: The Essential Guide

Famed for its Christmas markets, Berlin is a fabulous place to visit in the wintertime. Of course, the markets are definitely not the only reason to visit this vibrant and bustling city in the colder seasons. Just keep reading to discover them all.

Winter In Berlin: The Essential Guide

Image sourced at Pixabay – Licence CC0

Weather and Travel 

Before we get on to all the wintery things to do in Berlin, you need to know what to expect at this time of year. First and foremost, Berlin gets cold in the winter. Below freezing cold, and snow is not uncommon. Sadly, neither is freezing rain, which means its best to check the forecasts before you set off and not to bank on a white Christmas or winter period. 

One of the great things about Berlin is that even when it is cold, you can travel around the city using the subway. A mode of transport that means you can keep toasty and warm and off of the frozen streets for the most part. 

However, you will find that many people travel by car around the city, even in the winter season. Although, do remember that you will need a umweltzone or ecozone pass to do this, no matter what the time of year. In fact, it’s not just Berlin but most of Germany’s major cities that are cracking down on the use of un-environmentally sound vehicles. Something that it is well worth knowing if you plan on taking your own car or driving from mainland Europe. 

Christmas Markets 

When it comes to winter attractions in Berlin, you absolutely cannot beat the Christmas markets. In fact, Berlin is one of the German cities most famed for them, and you will find quite a selection to choose from, including the ones at Gendarmenmarkt, Alexanderplatz, and at Charlottenburg Castle. 

In most, you can expect plenty of magical lights and stalls selling Christmas themed goods, handmade crafts, as well as sweet treats too. Oh, and Bratwurst and Gluwine are practically a requirement of the experience! Both certainly being refreshments that can help keep the cold at bay! 

However, if you are looking for something that little bit more special, then why not visit the Wintertraum Am Alexa on Voltairestraß? There you will find not just a market but an entire fairground as well complete with big wheels and other rides! 

The Botanical Garden 

Alternatively, if you are looking for something just as magical but a little more sedate, why not give the Botanical Gardens a go? The reason being that there you will find a light-strewn festive experience complete with Santa and an ice skating rink to enjoy. 

Museum Island

Of course, if the Christmas markets or Christmas gardens are a little too outdoorsy for you, there are some other wonderful options as well. 

In particular, taking a trip across to Museum Island is a smart way to spend a rainy day. After all there, you will find five glorious and ruched stocked museums within walking distance. Be sure to take the time to check out the Pergamon Museum in particular, as it contains spectacular structures such as the Ishtar Gate of Babylon.

Computerspielemuseum

Alternatively, if you are looking for something a little more modern in subject matter, then why not pop along to Karl-Marx-Allee 93a, and take a peek in the Computerspielemuseum? That’s the Computer Game Museum to you and me. The best thing about this place is that you don’t just get to look at all the games and consoles, but can play on them as well. 

Oh, and each month the museum’s employees pick their favorite game for a mini-exhibition. With December 2019 being ‘The Legend of Link’s Awakening,’ making it a must-see for Nintendo fans. 

Turkish Baths 

If you are starting to feel the cold during your winter trip to Berlin, then there is no better place to try out than one of the many Turkish baths you will find in the city. 

Of particular note is the Sultan Hamam, which is a very stylish establishment decked out in all white marble. Something that makes it the perfect place to relax and warm up with a rub down or a steam at the same time.

Street Food 

Finally, what better way to keep warm than sampling some of the delights that Berlin has to offer in the form of street food? 

Of course, one of the best places to do this is at the Kulturbrauerei Brewery. In fact, it is their courtyard that provides the venue for some of the best food trucks in the city. 

Sundays are the best days for street food fair, here. Although sadly not in the lead up to Christmas, making this a must-see winter location in Berlin to visit after the festivities have died down! 

Flush the Fashion

Editor of Flush the Fashion and Flush Magazine. I love music, art, film, travel, food, tech and cars. Basically, everything this site is about.